There are many reasons that a dentist may require a patient to have a tooth extraction, particularly if the tooth causes problems with the patient’s oral health, function or appearance. After tooth extraction, you should be sure to follow all aftercare instructions provided by the dentist and understand what options are available to replace the missing tooth in the long term (if necessary).
Tooth extraction is a relatively common procedure that many people experience. If a missing tooth will cause a cosmetic concern, then the dentist can recommend ways to replace the missing tooth. There may also be oral care and functional adjustments that the patient must make. The following is a review of what to expect after tooth extraction in the immediate aftermath and in the long term.
Tooth extraction may be recommended or necessary for a variety of reasons. In general, any time a tooth causes oral health, functional, cosmetic or alignment concerns, it may be in the patient’s best interest to remove it. A dentist may recommend tooth extraction for the following reasons:
If necessary, the dentist can replace the missing tooth with an artificial prosthesis, such as a dental implant or partial denture.
There is a recovery and aftercare period after tooth extraction. This should involve caring for the mouth properly by eating a soft diet, drinking water regularly and practicing good oral hygiene. There may be swelling and discomfort, and the patient may also need to adjust to life without the tooth until it can be replaced, although not all extracted teeth require replacement. The patient can manage pain through over-the-counter pain relief medication, and they should check for signs of complications regularly and alert the dentist if any concerns develop.
Depending on the purpose of tooth extraction, the dentist may recommend replacing the tooth. Specifically, a tooth should be replaced if it causes a cosmetic concern. In some instances, a tooth is removed for orthodontic reasons, like if the mouth is overcrowded, so it may be best to not replace the tooth in these situations. If the patient does want to replace the missing tooth, the three main options are a dental implant, dental bridge and partial removable denture.
The goal of tooth extraction is to improve either the oral health, function or appearance of the patient. It may be one step in a larger treatment process. Long term, the patient should benefit more from tooth extraction than without it, and the patient should adjust relatively quickly after extraction.
If you are concerned with tooth extraction, then feel free to talk to our team about your concerns and ask them questions. We guide our patients through the tooth extraction and tooth replacement processes to ensure optimal safety and effective procedures.
Request an appointment here: https://sylmardentalandbraces.com or call Sylmar Dental & Braces at (818) 362-8333 for an appointment in our Los Angeles office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Tooth Extraction in Los Angeles, CA.
For patients who have been suffering from a damaged or infected tooth, finally getting the tooth extracted can feel like a relief. However, bleeding after a tooth extraction can be worrisome and inconvenient. Before a patient undergoes a tooth extraction, it can be helpful to know what to expect in terms of bleeding.After a tooth…
Patients who are dealing with severe dental issues may think they should go to the ER for emergency dental care. This, however, is often ill-advised, as it may not be helpful in providing the proper treatments needed and can result in other problems arising.The following are a couple of reasons why patients should not go…
Having missing teeth can make normal tasks such as eating or speaking difficult, but there are several tooth replacement options available to allow you to restore function and improve the appearance of the mouth. Learn more about what alternatives are available to patients and the potential benefits of each method.Depending on the situation and how…
Dental implants are often used to replace individual teeth but can also offer multiple teeth replacement options. Such options include cantilever bridges, implant-supported bridges and implant-supported partials.Depending upon the condition of the person's gums and jawbone, a single implant can sometimes be placed to support two adjacent teeth. More commonly, multiple implants are used to…
Porcelain and metal crowns combine aesthetics with durability.
It helps to address the long look receding gums give teeth, improving the patient’s smile.
This will help you prepare adequately for your consultation.
If you have an early morning appointment, you might be tempted to drink a cup…
Dental patients with damaged teeth can benefit from tooth colored fillings, as they offer a…
In these situations, the dentist will treat any decay or infection and then prepare the…
